This individual episode stands out in the story that surrounds it. Previously, the Doctor had connected himself up to the Gallifreyan Matrix, which will hopefully lead him to the titular assassin. What then follows over the next half hour or so is an extended piece on location, where the Doctor fights with what is eventually revealed to be Chancellor Goth, a fellow Time Lord and a Presidential candidate. But what stands out is not the plotting, it is instead the visuals as given to us by David Maloney, the director for this story.
Maloney creates an interesting atmosphere, with two main characteristics. One is the ability to be unsettling. This brings forth the dream-like qualities of the Matrix, such as seeing eyes appear in cliffs or injuries disappear simply by thinking about them. This makes up much of the first half of the episode and emphasises the disturbing and occasionally dangerous side of the Matrix.
The second half of the episode changes tack slightly, however, moving from the surreal to a hunting expedition, with the Doctor acting as prey to Goth's predator. Here, tension runs high with strong close ups and a focus on the vegetation that surrounds the area that masks the two Time Lords and makes for a for tense experience. It's also worth mentioning that the episode is far more violent than most from Doctor Who, with an awful lot of blood being shown, reminding us of what is at risk and that they are both in a vast degree of danger (and occasionally pain).
All in all, it makes for a gripping and stand out episode, and stands testament as an excellent piece of work from one of Doctor Who's strongest directors.
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